The 23-year-old in City of Norwich colours flew out to 11.55m in a Southern Athletics League match at Finsbury Park, improving by 8cm the record that Vicky Hancock had set during the buzz of the Orkney 2025 Island Games.
It continues an exciting back and forth between the two young jumpers – and has ignited Mella’s hopes of getting two Sarnians on the podium at the Faroe Islands 2027.
‘I feel really happy I was able to break the record this season,’ she said.
‘It was the main goal for the season, along with making a BUCS final, so I’m really pleased to tick both those off.’
Mella had gone in with a season’s best of 11.12m, which had got her through to the BUCS Indoors final in February.
But she had still to break the 11m barrier outdoors.
‘I knew I was in the form to jump big, but we have been experimenting with some new techniques this season, so it was a frustrating start with some run-up issues and not quite reaching the distances I felt I could,’ she added.
‘I’m happy it all came together for my last competition of the season.
‘I definitely think there is still a lot more to come, but my season is being cut short due to going off on my medical elective placement in two weeks, so that will have to wait until next year.’
It is an especially exciting time for the previously overlooked event.
Almost exactly 12 months ago, Mella smashed the 11m barrier for the first time in Norwich.
She had been the first Guernsey athlete to do so since 2007.
But her own excellence seemingly inspired Vicky Hancock to produce a breakthrough 11.47m effort in Orkney.
Mella posted a promising personal best of 11.42m last August at Footes Lane, tying Kimberley Goodall’s previous record from 2005, but lost an epic 11.51m to a marginally illegal tailwind.
‘It’s been so exciting seeing Vicky jumping far and having some friendly competition to spur us along,’ she added.
‘It definitely motivates you when you know someone else is right on your heels and that your record might be taken at any moment.
‘It will be great to hopefully compete with each other at the Games next year and do our best to get two of us on the podium.
‘I’d love to see more kids try out triple jump at home and get involved.
'It’s definitely a bit of a niche event that isn’t too kind on the body, but it’s so much fun and there’s so many technical elements that make it really exciting.’
